Japanese maples can struggle during the summer months without consistent watering
15:59, 10 Jul 2026Updated 16:00, 10 Jul 2026
Japanese maples need extra care in the summer(Image: mtreasure via Getty Images)
Japanese maples rank amongst the most stunning and easy-to-manage trees for home gardens. Their enduring popularity is down to their mesmerising seasonal colour transformations, distinctive foliage and adaptability to pots or compact garden plots.
Despite being fairly low-maintenance, these trees can face challenges during summer and appreciate a bit of extra care. Watering Japanese maples becomes crucial at this point in the year, as highlighted by gardening authority Roger Eavis, who runs Greenshutters Garden Centre.
He explained that maintaining adequate moisture levels in the soil surrounding your Japanese maple will keep the tree “healthy and vigorous all summer”, with the bonus that they “will reward you with incredible autumn colours”.
Roger advised: “Keep the soil or compost well-watered and never let them dry out. If the leaves on your Japanese maples appear dry or scorched in summer, this is likely to be a lack of moisture. This is, by far, the main cause of dieback.
Anyone with Japanese maples in their garden needs to apply 1 simple item to the soil often(Image: mtreasure via Getty Images)
“Most Japanese maples will grow happily in direct sun if they are kept well-watered, which means once a day during hot weather if they are in a pot, and two or three times a week if planted in the ground. If not, plant them where they will get shade for part of the day.”
Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. During periods of extreme heat or extended drought, you might need to increase watering frequency.
On the flip side, during periods of heavy rainfall, you can ease off watering to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged. These trees thrive in consistently moist conditions but can suffer if overwatered.
Keep the soil or compost of Japanese maples well-watered and never let them dry out(Image: Oscar Requejo via Getty Images)
It’s highly advisable to regularly monitor the moisture levels of the soil around your Japanese Maple. Simply press your finger or a moisture meter roughly one to two inches into the soil.
If it feels parched at this depth, it’s time to reach for the watering can. Keeping a close eye on soil moisture helps protect against both under- and overwatering, reports the Mirror.
When it comes to watering Japanese Maples, a thorough, deep watering is essential. For trees planted in the ground, this means several minutes with a hose or a longer session with a sprinkler.
Deep watering your Japanese Maples will stimulate deeper root growth, ultimately rendering your tree more resilient in times of drought.
For Japanese Maples grown in containers, water until you notice it seeping from the base of the pot. This guarantees the entire root system receives sufficient hydration.
The timing of your watering can also make a considerable difference. Early morning is the optimum time to water your Japanese Maples, allowing the trees to absorb moisture before the heat of the day sets in, thereby minimising evaporation.
When tending to these trees, always direct water straight to the roots. Japanese Maples solely absorb water through their roots, so watering the foliage is entirely futile.
Comments are closed.